FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Pacific men's basketball team caught fire on Saturday night, as the Sunbirds defeated Hawai'i Hilo 105-92 in PacWest action at the Special Events Center.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Fresno Pacific 105, Hawai'i Hilo 92
Records: FPU (5-13, 3-7 PacWest), UHH (4-9, 3-3 PacWest)
Location: Fresno, Calif. | Special Events Center
Series: The Sunbirds trail 4-3
Get Social: Twitter - @fpusunbirds | Instagram - @fpusunbirds | Facebook - /FPUathletics
 
HOW IT HAPPENED:
• The Sunbirds were efficient in the opening half, only committing three turnovers while shooting 44 percent.
• FPU jumped out to a 16-point lead at one point, sparked by Aamondae Coleman off the bench, and entered the locker room ahead 42-37.
• The 'Birds then carried the momentum into the second half and erupted for 63 points.
• Hilo cut the deficit to nine with under two minutes to play, but FPU held off the charge with free-throws to earn the win.
 
STATS OF THE GAME:
• Five Sunbirds scored in double-figures, led by Elijah Hill's 23 points. Hill added seven assists and three steals.
• Coleman contributed a double-double of 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Adrian Antunez added 17 points, six assists and two rebounds for FPU.
• The 'Birds also received 14 points, 11 rebounds and three assists from senior Sam Burt and 13 points and eight rebounds from Toby Christensen.
• FPU finished the night with a shooting percentage of 53 percent. The Sunbirds out-rebounded Hilo 49-29 and outscored the Vulcans 56-26 in the paint.
• Trey Ingram led all scorers with 25 points for UHH.
 
BEYOND THE BOX:
• Hill's 23 points and seven assists were career highs, while Coleman's 13 boards and 21 points were a career best.
• Antunez also matched his career high of six assists, which he's done in consecutive games.
• The 105 points were a season best for the 'Birds. It was the highest total since Jan. 14 of last season when FPU scored 112 in double-overtime against Chaminade.
• The Sunbirds snapped a five-game skid with the win.
 
UP NEXT:
• FPU has a quick turnaround and hosts Azusa Pacific on Monday at 4:30 p.m.